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ICC Offers Help with Water Crisis 05-13-15 | News

ICC Offers Help with Water Crisis

The International Code Council works with key industry organizations to develop standards that address critical water usage issues, including landscape irrigation sprinklers and rainwater harvesting systems, and is a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program.

The International Code Council recently announced that they can provide several resources to assist jurisdictions, manufacturers and the public with the critical water issues transpiring in California, Washington and other areas in the United States.

"For decades, ICC's codes and standards and programs have addressed water-related issues," said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO, "and there is an immediate need in the U.S. for Congress and other government agencies to consider incentives for state and local jurisdictions to adopt water efficiency measures and better educate the public about water consumption."

ICC works with key industry organizations to develop standards that address critical water usage issues, including landscape irrigation sprinklers and rainwater harvesting systems, and recently announced a partnership with RESNET in the development of the Water Efficiency Rating Index.

ICC also is a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program. Products and services that earn the WaterSense label with the ICC Evaluation Service certification mark are certified to be at least 20 percent more water efficient without sacrificing performance.

The International Plumbing Code, published by ICC, incorporates innovative technologies including waterless urinals and detailed engineered designs that permit the installation of smaller, more precise water usage and water drainage systems, resulting in the savings of millions of gallons of water. The International Green Construction Code also contains provisions for the collection, treatment, storage and use of non-potable water in the form of onsite collected rainwater and graywater, and externally treated reclaimed water supplied to the site.

"Increased water efficiency is an important aspect of sustainability," said ICC board of directors president Guy Tomberlin, CBO. "ICC is committed to working with our Member jurisdictions and industry partners to bring water efficient products to market, labeling new homes as WaterSense compliant, and spreading the word about the need for smart water use."